It’s the busiest time of year for households across the country but for the UK’s leading dementia charity it’s a contrast in comparison to the expected surge of New Year calls to their support line.

As families come together to celebrate the festivities, for some it may be the first time they notice significant changes which could be the signs of dementia in loved ones. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, mood changes and problems with language and communication.

In the last two years, the charity has seen calls to its support line through January grow by 15%, a growing trend at this time of year since 2022 contributed to by ongoing activity to raise awareness of the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis and dispelling the common myth that dementia is just part of getting old.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Ambassadors comedian and author David Baddiel, actor Suranne Jones and celebrity supporter and actor Anne-Marie Duff, all of whom have a personal connection to dementia, have lent their voice to re-enact some of the calls the charity’s support line receives, helping to shine a light on dementia and bring it out from behind closed doors.

The calls are just a glimpse of what Alzheimer’s Society’s expert dementia advisers will be preparing to receive in volume next month. They can offer practical and emotional support and advice on a variety of topics including getting diagnosed, caring strategies and how to access social care as well as signposting to other organisations who can provide legal and financial advice, for things such as benefits and grants.

And people across the country can help to support people like this, by gifting their support through donations to the charity’s Christmas Appeal.

Nearly 1,700 people affected by dementia responded to a survey1 about their access to Alzheimer’s Society’s support services, with 96% saying they were more informed, 92% felt more supported to manage and 78% having more confidence to make decisions. This shows the real impact supporting the charity’s Christmas Appeal can have on people living with dementia.

Derek Wiley, 67, and his partner Margaret Gloster, 79, say the calmer they can make the Christmas period the better, since Margaret was diagnosed with mixed dementia in January 2023.

Derek said: “We’ve got the tree and decorations up and as in other years, I’ll be cooking a full Christmas dinner on the day. We choose not to make it too hectic.” When asked about her preferred part of Derek’s Christmas dinner, Margaret’s humour didn’t falter, replying with ‘the bit that’s not burnt’.

Reflecting on laugher and joy, the couple say it’s down to the support of Alzheimer’s Society that has helped them to continue enjoying a life with a dementia diagnosis.

Derek said: “Changes in Margaret’s behaviour and daily tasks became increasingly noticeable a few years before her diagnosis. We were in denial early on and hoped things would get better but of course they never did. We didn’t know what to do. I quit my job of 19 years as a bus driver to care for Margaret, but we found ourselves isolated, staying indoors with Margaret becoming depressed.

“It was family who said to get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society and we found a local ‘winter café’ online. It was the turning point we needed and from this encounter it helped to open so many other avenues of contact and support, some we didn’t even know existed or we needed.

“I don’t know where we’d be today without the support from Alzheimer’s Society, in particular our key contact, Michelle, who works for the charity. She’s helped us to maintain a purpose by getting us involved in so many social activities and presenting opportunities where we can help to make a difference through our lived experience.”

The couple have their own important message to others who may be worried about themselves or a loved one. Derek said: “Don’t delay seeking help. It can’t make things any worse”. Margeret added: “Nobody wants a diagnosis but it is reassuring to know you are not being silly, there’s a disease causing all the things that you cannot explain. Get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society.”

Christmas should be a happy time filled with time with loved ones, laughter and memories. But sadly, dementia will strip these precious moments away. ​

Kate Lee, Chief Executive Officer for Alzheimer’s Society said:

“Christmas can be challenging in many ways, but particularly for those affected by dementia so more support and guidance is needed in the wake of the festivities. We help people make the most of life with dementia, supporting them through some of the hardest and most frightening times.

“From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others, we’ll be there for you again and again and again, no matter what.

“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer with the realities often played out behind closed doors. With one in three people born today developing dementia, it has never been more crucial to shine a light on the condition and bring it out into the open.”

Help Alzheimer’s Society provide a little light to people affected by dementia this Christmas. Every £15 can help a dementia adviser to take an hour of calls from families in crisis and doubling this to £30 can help provide two hours of one-to-one support in someone’s home.